Sherburne County Fair revamp looks to attract all

ELK RIVER – The demolition derby, long a favorite at the Sherburne County Fair, isn't likely to lose its top-draw status to a new selfie photo contest.

But organizers hope the tech-dependent attraction and the top prize — an Xbox One and a 43-inch flatscreen TV — will help draw teenagers to the four-day event that gets underway July 17 in Elk River.

The selfie contest will take the form of a scavenger hunt, with 15 items to be found each day. (Some of them will require a purchase.) The person who posts the most selfies over four days will earn the grand prize. The number entrants pick up in the fair office will track their posts on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Some prizes may be awarded for creativity; how many sponsors step up will determine the total number of prizes.

Using #SherbCtyFair, the social media element is one more way the Sherburne County Fair is making itself known, according to Tina Iten, 25, of Big Lake, who joined the fair board at age 18 and currently serves with her grandmother.

"We've tried different things every year to get teens out," said Iten, who is a deli clerk at Coborn's in Big Lake when she's not involved with the fair.

Another new element, a history room behind the fair office, might appeal to the older crowd. Fair board member Irene Kostreba said an $8,400 Minnesota State Agricultural Society grant will cover the expense of expanding and converting the former senior citizens space for that purpose. (The board will receive only as much money as it spends.)

Members are still seeking artifacts to display during the fair. Kostreba currently has mostly newspaper clippings, photographs and premium books. People with items to lend or donate may call the fair office at 763-441-3610.

Grandstand events ($12, adults; $8, kids) kick off at 7 p.m. July 17 with the National Tractor Pullers Association "Fair Factor." They continue at 3 p.m. July 19 with the truck and tractor pull and 6 p.m. July 20 with the demolition derby.

"One of the biggest attractions, and it's always been our biggest attraction, is the demo derby, and then second is the tractor pull. Those have always been the two biggest pulls at the fair," Iten said.

Kostreba said the demolition derby typically draws 35-50 drivers and has sold out in the past. With overflow seating, the grandstand accommodates about 4,450.